ReviewCholinergic mechanisms of episodic memory: What specific behavioural tasks can tell us about specific neural mechanisms

Understanding the neural basis of episodic memory is crucial for understanding how to treat memory loss in normal ageing as well as in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, it is only recently that episodic memory has been able to be reliably modelled in animals allowing the biological basis to be fully explored. Here we review studies on the role of the cholinergic basal forebrain on episodic memory, and highlight differences in findings from studies in monkeys and rats. The results highlight the importance of choosing appropriate behavioural models of cognitive processes in order to understand the neural basis of the processes accurately.

► Episodic memory can be accurately modelled in animals. ► The hippocampus is necessary for episodic memory in animals. ► Evidence about the role of cholinergic input to the hippocampus is conflicting. ► Understanding behavioural tasks in animals is crucial to interpreting lesion effects.